JOURNEYS DISPATCHES

Journey to the heart and soul of America aboard the Queen of the Mississippi paddle wheeler. From lively Memphis to the antebellum town of Natchez and spirited New Orleans, learn about the Mississippi’s enormous influence upon American history and culture. Joining you for lectures and informal discussions will be noted Civil War historian and author, A Wilson “Will” Greene. Enjoy a specially arranged tour of Memphis featuring Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland. Then sail south and tour legendary towns such as Natchez, the “Golden City of the South” where more than 500 stately antebellum homes still line the streets in timeless grandeur; St. Francisville, full of unique treasures and plantations; and Baton Rouge, the state capital known for the colorful legacy of Louisiana politician Huey Long. You’ll also step ashore to explore Oak Alley, one of the South’s most legendary plantations. Experience the spirit, grandeur, and tradition of cruising down the Mississippi River as you enjoy the luxury and nostalgia of our riverboat, savor the finest in southern cuisine, and listen to traditional southern music all the way to New Orleans.

Day 1 — Memphis, TN
Individual arrivals in to Memphis, Tennessee. Meet fellow travelers and staff at a festive welcome reception in Memphis. Dinner and the remainder of the evening will be on your own. (R)

Day 2 — Memphis, TN
This morning depart the hotel for Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland, one of the most visited homes in the United States. Tour the famous mansion including the “Jungle Room” and see the estate’s impressive collection of cars, motorcycles, and more. This afternoon embark the brand new Queen of the Mississippi, your home for the next 7 nights! (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Cruising the Mississippi
Enjoy a relaxing day on the Mississippi River as Queen of the Mississippi steams her way south. There are many areas for relaxing, both indoors and out. Take in spectacular river views from the sun deck or the comforts of the Paddlewheel Lounge. (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Vicksburg, MS
Vicksburg was a fortress, “The Gibraltar of the Confederacy” and from March to July 1863, Major General Ulysses S. Grant waged a series of bold assaults to capture the city. These campaigns, coupled with the fall of Port Hudson, Louisiana, divided the South, and gave the North the control of the Mississippi river it needed. Examine the military maneuvers that led to the final success of the Union army during a tour of Vicksburg National Military Park. (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Natchez, MS
During the early 19th century, Natchez reigned as the Golden City of the South, an important Mississippi River port where vast plantations reflected the prosperity of the time. More than 500 antebellum homes still line its city streets, stately in their timeless grandeur. Visit Frogmore Plantation and follow the early Natchez planters and their slaves through an evolution from wilderness to a thriving 1850s cotton plantation, and beyond the War Between the States to a struggling new way of life. Learn about slave customs, music, and their surprising relationships with their overseers. Walk through authentically furnished slave quarters, a rare steam gin, and other plantation dependencies. Enjoy lunch and musical entertainment back onboard the Queen of the Mississippi as you continue cruising south. (B,L,D)

Day 6 — St. Francisville, LA
Enjoy the charming town of St. Francisville, Louisiana, which is full of simple pleasures and unique treasures! Located on the bluffs of the Mississippi, St. Francisville has been rightfully noted as “one of the 200 most beautiful small towns in America.” Visit Myrtles Plantation (1796), built by General David Bradford, who played a significant role in the Whisky Rebellion. Continue on to Rosedown Plantation, encompassing over 370 acres and one of the most intact domestic plantation in the South. Enjoy a tour of the Federal/ Greek revival great house and view the extensive gardens. (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Baton Rouge, LA
This morning we will depart the ship to tour historic Baton Rouge. Visit the Louisiana State Museum featuring thematic exhibits on the diverse aspects of Louisiana history. See the Capitol Building (1932), conceived by colorful Louisiana politician “Kingfish,” Huey P. Long, the 34-story, 450 foot Alabama limestone-clad skyscraper is an excellent example of simple classicism with Art Deco details that were in vogue for monumental buildings of the late 1920s. We’ll also pass by the Old Governor’s Mansion, built in 1929, also conceived by Long, the Mansion served as Executive Residence from 1930 until 1963 and housed nine of Louisiana’s governors. We’ll also visit Magnolia Mound, one of the oldest plantation homes in Baton Rouge. This afternoon return to the Queen of the Mississippi for a festive dinner on board. (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Vacherie, LA
This morning disembark the Queen of the Mississippi for a tour of iconic Oak Alley Plantation, known as the “Grande Dame of the Great River Road.” Marvel at the mansion’s quarter-mile canopy of giant live oak trees, believed to be nearly 300 years old, that leads to this classic Greekrevival antebellum home, a National Historic Landmark. The plantation was built by George Swainy between 1837 and 1839 for Jacques Telesphore Roman, a Louisiana businessman and sugar planter. The mansion has a square floor plan, organized around a central hall that runs from the front to the rear on both floors. The outside features a free-standing colonnade of Doric columns on all four sides, a common feature among the mansions in the Mississippi Valley at the time. Return to the ship this afternoon and enjoy a festive farewell dinner on board. (B,L,D)

Day 9 — New Orleans, LA
After breakfast, disembark the Queen of the Mississippi and transfer to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport for individual flights home. (B)